September 22, 2026 -- Nearly three decades after graduating, the relationships, discipline and sense of connection Jamie McGurk ’97 developed as a student-athlete remain an important part of his life. Now, he and his family are making a $1 million investment to help ensure future generations of Marist student-athletes have the opportunity to build an experience of their own. 

McGurk, a Marist University alumnus and trustee, and Dr. Annie Donnelly McGurk, together with their children, Arleigh and Maisie, have established the Donnelly McGurk Family Endowed Lacrosse Scholarship. The permanent endowment will provide scholarship support for talented and deserving student-athletes on the Division I Marist men’s lacrosse team. 

“My experience at Marist was very formative, and lacrosse was a big part of that,” McGurk said. “I want to give that opportunity to other students. The culture that has built in the program is inspiring, and I want to support that culture, as well as the growth and achievement of the program well into the future.” 

The McGurks’ gift reflects the kind of lasting connection Marist hopes to build with its student-athletes, one that continues well beyond their time on campus. For Vice President of Advancement, Kirk Swenson, the gift also sets an example for others. 

“The McGurks are doing more than establishing a scholarship. They are showing their children, fellow alumni and today’s student-athletes what it looks like to invest in something that has been meaningful in their own lives,” said Swenson. “That kind of generosity has the potential to inspire others and extend the impact of this gift well beyond the students it directly supports.” 

The scholarship will primarily support incoming first-year members of the men’s lacrosse team, while also allowing awards to transfer and returning student-athletes. Recipients can receive support for up to four years, provided they remain in good academic standing and continue to meet the scholarship criteria. 

The gift comes on the heels of a successful 2026 season for Marist men’s lacrosse. The Red Foxes earned a share of the MAAC regular-season title before capturing the conference championship and advancing to the NCAA Tournament, where they defeated Stony Brook to move on to the next round. 

Photo by Carlisle Stockton for Marist University Athletics.

Inspiring the Next Generation to Give Back 

The impact of the gift is also intended to extend beyond the students who receive the scholarship. 

Including Arleigh and Maisie in the gift was intentional. Jamie and Annie have made philanthropy something their children actively participate in, setting aside funds each year for them to direct toward causes that matter to them. Including their names on the Marist scholarship is another way to show them what giving can accomplish. 

“We included our kids so that they can see and be a part of what it means to give back,” McGurk said. “They can see that you can have an impact. Even if you’re not engaged hands-on every day, supporting something financially is important and, frankly, just as rewarding.” 

That example, McGurk hopes, will extend beyond his own family. He also hopes current student-athletes see that their relationship with Marist Lacrosse doesn’t have to end when they graduate, and that alumni who value their own Marist experience might consider how they can support those who follow. 

“I get as much out of it as the program does,” McGurk said. “To see an alum giving back, I want to inspire them. They can see that this program really means something to people and hopefully think, ‘When I get to that position, if I’m able to, I’m going to do the same thing.’”